QuickText documentation
Version 1.0.0 . by Vicky Martin Singh
Introduction
QuickText is a Chrome extension that inserts reusable text templates into any editable field on the web. It is built for speed and privacy: everything runs locally in your browser, with no AI and no paid services.
Installation
- Open the QuickText listing on the Chrome Web Store and choose Add to Chrome.
- Confirm with Add extension.
- Click the puzzle icon in the toolbar and pin QuickText.
- A welcome guide opens automatically on first install.
Floating widget
When enabled, the widget appears when you focus an editable field. Single click opens favorites, double click opens the full list, and a long press opens widget settings. Drag it to reposition, and it remembers the spot per website. In Settings you can change size, opacity and color, lock its position, show it only inside text fields, hide it on a page, or disable it entirely. It never steals keyboard focus.
Templates
Create a template from the popup with New template. Each has a title, content, format, folder, category, tags and color. Formats include plain text, rich text, Markdown, HTML and code. Every template supports preview, edit, duplicate, pin, favorite, archive, move, version history and trash. Deleted templates stay in Trash for 30 days.
Variables
| Syntax | Behavior |
|---|---|
{{name}} | Inserts a saved profile value, or prompts if empty. |
{{date}}, {{time}} | Inserts the current date and time. |
{{clipboard}} | Inserts your current clipboard contents. |
{{topic?Ask me}} | Prompts you with the label before inserting. |
{{hours?Window|24}} | Prompts with a default value. |
{{cursor}} | Places your caret here after inserting. |
Define your own reusable values under Settings, Variables and profile.
Folders and tags
Group templates into folders and nested folders. Add tags and a category to any template, then filter or search. Use colors for quick visual scanning.
Keyboard shortcuts
| Action | Default |
|---|---|
| Open the popup | Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + Y |
| Search templates on the page | Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + F |
| Insert last used template | Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + L |
Customize any shortcut at chrome://extensions/shortcuts.
Settings
The settings page covers theme, floating widget, shortcuts, variables and profile, notifications, backup and restore, import and export, privacy, about and changelog. Changes apply instantly across open tabs.
Backup and restore
Automatic backups run on a schedule you choose. Create a manual backup anytime, download it as a file, or restore any backup in one click.
Import and export
Export all templates as JSON or readable plain text. Import a JSON export to add templates alongside your existing ones. Duplicate IDs are re keyed so nothing is overwritten.
Chrome Sync
Enable Chrome Sync in Settings, Privacy to carry templates across the browsers where you are signed in. Data is stored in Chrome sync storage, chunked to respect quotas. QuickText never runs its own server.
Privacy and security
QuickText does not collect analytics, does not use AI, and does not transmit your templates anywhere. Usage statistics are optional and stored only on your device. The widget renders inside a shadow root, isolated from page scripts.
Troubleshooting
- Widget missing: confirm it is enabled and reload the tab.
- Insertion fails on a site: QuickText copies the text so you can paste with Ctrl+V.
- Shortcut not working: another extension may use the same combination.
- Templates missing: restore from an automatic backup in Settings.
Best practices
- Keep folders shallow and use tags for cross cutting labels.
- Fill your profile so name and company resolve automatically.
- Favorite the five templates you use most.
- Export a backup before major reorganizations.
Known limitations
- A few highly custom editors may only accept pasted text.
- Rich formatting is inserted as plain text on sites that do not support rich input.
- Chrome Sync capacity is bounded by Chrome storage quotas.